Republicans have argued that Democrats would bear responsibility if the government shuts down. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has repeatedly said Schumer must present a concrete health care plan to reach a deal. Thune also noted the upcoming expiration of expanded tax credits for Affordable Care Act coverage, suggesting some Republicans may support extending them before year-end.
Schumer and his Democratic colleagues are seeking more than temporary measures. They are demanding the rollback of Medicaid cuts included in Trump’s recent tax and spending legislation and assurances that the White House will not rescind funds already approved by Congress. In August, the Trump administration blocked $4.9 billion in foreign aid and previously enacted a $9 billion cut in July, actions Democrats say undermine congressional authority.
“How do you pass an appropriations bill and let them undo it down the road?” Schumer asked, highlighting the stakes for the party.
Partisan tensions in the Senate are intensifying. Negotiations over confirmation processes broke down again Thursday, and Republicans are moving to adjust Senate rules to bypass Democratic objections.
Schumer’s stance now sharply contrasts with his March vote, when he supported legislation to avoid a shutdown, arguing that a closure would give Trump more control. That decision isolated him within his party, drawing opposition from most Senate Democrats and a warning from Jeffries that House Democrats would “not be complicit.” Activists even called for Schumer’s resignation at the time.
Now, Schumer and Jeffries are presenting a united front. Schumer shared internal polling with Senate Democrats indicating most Americans would likely blame Trump, not Democrats, for a shutdown. By leveraging party unity and mounting pressure on the White House, Schumer is betting that the threat of a shutdown will strengthen Democrats’ negotiating position.
